THE CANADIAN LYNX. 



169 



the cold season the Lynx possesses a richer and a warmer fur than is found upon it during the 

 warm summer months. 



The Southern, or Pardine, Lynx is a peculiarly beautiful example of this group of 

 Felidse. It inhabits more southern districts than the last-mentioned animals, being found in 

 Spain, Sardinia, Portugal, and other southern countries. From the leopard-like spots with 

 which its ruddy chestnut fur is covered, it derives the name of Pardine Lynx. Its Spanish 

 title is Gato-clavo. 



The New World possesses its examples of the Lyncine group as well as the Old World,, 

 and even in the cold regions of Northern America a representative of these animals may be 



SOUTHERN LYNX.— Lynx pardinus. 



found. This is the Canada Lynx, commonly termed the " Peeshoo" by the French colonists, 

 or even dignified with the title of " Le Chat." 



The hair of this animal is longer than that of its southern relatives, and is generally of a 

 dark gray, flecked or besprinkled with black. Large and indistinct patches of the fur are of a 

 sensibly darker tint than the generality of its coat. Most of the hairs are white at their 

 extremities, which will account for the apparent changes in color which will be seen even in 

 the same species at different times. Along the back and upon the elbow joint these dark 

 mottlings become more apparent. In some specimens the fur takes a slight tinge of ruddy 

 chestnut, the limbs are darker than the rest of the body, and the ears are slightly edged with 

 white. It is probable that the same individual undergoes considerable changes, both in the 

 color and the length of its fur, according to the time of year. 



The limbs of this Lynx are very powerful, and the thick heavily made feet are furnished 

 with strong white claws that are not seen unless the fur be put aside. It is not a dangerous 

 animal, and, as far as is known, feeds on the smaller quadrupeds, the American hare being 

 its favorite article of diet. 



While running at speed it presents a singular appearance, owing to its peculiar mode 



